Removed post office drop box sparks complaints from Albany customers
Most U.S. post offices around the Albany area have a drop box where customers can drive up, and drop off their mail, but the post office on Meredyth Drive removed theirs about a year ago.
ALBANY – Most U.S. post offices around the Albany area have a drop box where customers can drive up and drop off their mail. But the drop box at the post office on Meredyth Drive in Albany was removed about a year ago.
Two postal workers, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution at work, confirmed that the drop box was removed due to repeated vandalism and theft. This situation isn’t unique to the site at Meredyth Drive. A worker there confirmed the problem became consistent about three years ago. A postal worker at the main branch on Slappey Boulevard said it’s an issue at several locations across the city.
Repeated arrests have been made in Albany due to stolen checks, debit cards and other documents from mail collection boxes.
The employee said people use an instrument to break the lock and get into the box. Customers had checks and other sensitive items stolen. USPS employees said the drop box at Meredyth Drive was removed because that location has an indoor drop box with 24-hour access.
Since the drop box was removed, The Albany Herald has received more than 100 complaints. On Monday, the day before the 2024 tax season deadline, David Krantz, said the line to mail packages was backed up out the door. He said he had to wait about 25 minutes to see the one person who was working.
Krantz said he’s noticed this problem on numerous occasions. He’s been going to the post office on Meredyth Drive for 37 years and there was always a drop box. This particular location serves the entire northwest section of Albany.
“Now, instead of using that drop box, you have to park, get out of the car and go inside,” he said.
Krantz said this becomes inconvenient, especially because the post office is understaffed. He said he believes the drop box should be reinstalled, potentially as a mobile box that is able to be moved in at night.
While the main branch postal worker couldn’t answer many questions about the drop box and theft, the employee said Mondays are always the busiest day at the post office. The employee warned those wanting to avoid lines to try a different day.
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